The ViewAuckland Review

Rebooting a franchise so soon after the previous films was never going to be easy but director Marc Webb has delivered a fresh take on Spidey with what is surely one of the strongest superhero casts ever assembled.

What’s it all about?
The socially outcast Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) longs to discover the reason for his parents’ sudden disappearance when he was a child. He spends his days keeping a low profile at school and trying to win the heart of his crush, Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) while living with his Aunt (Sally Field) and Uncle (Martin Sheen).

When Peter finds a mysterious briefcase belonging to his father he discovers a scientific equation which unlocks the possibility of combining human and animal DNA. After he’s bitten by a genetically altered spider, Peter works with his father’s former partner, Dr. Curtis Connors (Rhys Ifans) to learn more about the science. When Dr. Connors uses an untested formula he becomes the vengeful Lizard, propelling Peter towards his destiny as Spider-Man.

The Good
The film tells the classic tale of Peter Parker’s transformation into Spider-Man. It’s a story we know well and have seen before but in this Amazing remake it seems to have been done in a much fresher way. The cast are an improvement, the effects are an improvement and the story is an improvement. There’s no huge shift in tone from the previous trilogy but there is an emphasis on characters and with a cast as talented as this that’s probably a good thing to focus on. The movie does take a while for any action to spring up but it doesn’t matter because the audience it totally consumed in the world of Peter Parker’s New York City. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are undeniably watchable.

The Great
The casting here is incredible. Andrew Garfield plays Peter Parker as much more of a rebel, headstrong and with less angst than Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker. Emma Stone is a much wittier female lead, although I wish they gave her more to do. The chemistry between Garfield’s Parker and Stone’s Stacy is undeniable. Rhys Ifans delivers his best man-hard-done-by act and it pays off, despite expectations Lizard is a great villain. The 3D in this movie is some of the best I’ve seen, obviously shooting with the advanced RED Epic camera has paid off, this is a movie you must see on the biggest screen possible (there are special scenes shot exclusively for IMAX’s larger format).

Worth Seeing?
The Amazing Spider-Man is an exciting, refreshing take on the Spidey tale with a fantastic cast, impressive effects and a story enjoyable enough you can’t help but be sucked in. Highly recommended.